Faroe Islands Nature Investigation

STATION NAME AND OWNER The Faroe Islands Nature Investigation (FINI) belongs to Jarðfeingi (Faroese Geological Survey) and partners. LOCATION FINI comprises a number of monitoring sites in the Faroe Islands. The 18 islands form a self-governing country under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark. The total area is approximately 1400 km2 and has a population of almost 54 000 people (2020). The monitoring sites are placed on mountain slopes and summits that are accessible within an hour hike from the road and within an hour drive by car from the capital Tórshavn. BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The Faroe Islands are a group of islands situated between the Norwegian Sea and the northeast Atlantic Ocean with more than 300 km distance to the next land area (approximately half way between Scotland and Iceland). The islands have an oceanic sub-arctic climate and are characterised by a high relief. The mountain areas are heavily grazed by sheep. The floral and faunal biodiversity is low, reflecting the isolated location, the extreme oceanic climate, the steep topography, and intensive land use. The most dominant vegetation in the Faroe Islands is grassland, found from sea level to the mountain tops. Racomitrium heaths and fell-field vegetation dominate the alpine vegetation. Calluna heaths are common in the lowlands. Birds dominate the terrestrial wild life. HISTORY AND FACILITIES Most of the monitoring sites of FINI are less than 10 years old. FINI has no station facilities at the sites, but can offer office facilities including internet access, other logistic support and advice at FINI, Jarðfeingi, in Tórshavn. GENERAL RESEARCH AND DATABASES The research at the FINI sites focuses on geohazards. The existing database includes a bibliography of publications with research on the Faroese nature. . HUMAN DIMENSION People in towns and villages live a modern European life. Houses are modern, the infrastructure is well developed and it is easy to travel by car. At the same time rich elements of traditional Faroese culture are deeply rooted in daily life: fishing, bird hunting, traditional food and singing, and chain dancing. The language is Faroese which has close roots in the Old Norse language. ACCESS You can arrive to the Faroe Islands all year by ship or by plane. The ferry leaves from Hanstholm, Denmark and Seyðisfjørður, Iceland. Look for www.smyrilline.com. Flight connections to the Faroe Islands leave from Copenhagen (Denmark), Aalborg (Denmark), Billund (Denmark), Reykjavik (Iceland), Bergen (Norway), London (UK) and Barcelona (Spain). Look for www.atlantic.fo. The local infrastructure in the Faroe Islands is well developed with busses and ferries. It is also possible to rent cars and helicopter routes are fairly cheap. Look for www.visitfaroeislands.fo. TAKE A TOUR AROUND THE STATION FINI activities are held all over the Faroe Islands and below you can take a tour on the island of Mykines. This site will be closed for visitors for a while because of a large rock slide. This service is provided by INTERACT partner Mapillary